Monaco in 1995

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A sovereign principality on the northern Mediterranean coast, Monaco is bounded on land by the French département of Alpes-Maritimes. Area: 1.95 sq km (0.75 sq mi). Pop. (1995 est.): 30,400. Monetary unit: French franc, with (Oct. 6, 1995) a free rate of F 5.01 to U.S. $1 (F 7.93 = £ 1 sterling). Chief of state, Prince Rainier III; ministers of state in 1995, Jacques Dupont and, from November 24, Paul Dijoud.

The tiny principality of Monaco sustained its serenity and its prosperity during 1995. Amid speculation that he would abdicate in favour of his son, Prince Albert, Prince Rainier reigned on, and the economy remained buoyant. Imminent abdication was reported by the French magazine Paris Match shortly after Prince Rainier’s heart-bypass surgery in November 1994. Prince Albert was unmarried, which raised questions about the succession. Under a 1918 treaty, France can annex the principality if there is no male Grimaldi heir. There were also rumours that Prince Rainier might name Princess Caroline’s eldest son as his heir. Outside Monaco, speculation abounded even after the rumours were denounced as "sheer fantasy." Meanwhile, Princess Stephanie married Daniel Ducruet, her former bodyguard, in July.

The move to diversify Monaco’s economy continued. A country once funded by the proceeds of gambling in the casinos was now estimated to receive only 4% of its income from that source. Tourism continued to drive the economy, especially the lucrative business-conference sector. Construction cranes were everywhere as building continued for new housing, a conference and cultural centre, a railroad station, a new jetty, and other projects. Anne Roby

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